Sonam Wangchuk expresses indignation over questions after ending hunger strike, stating the need for honesty

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday to end his indefinite fast, emphasizing the importance of his health. The party assured Wangchuk that the movement against alleged examination irregularities would continue until all demands are met.

Call to End Hunger Strike

CJP founder Abidjit Dipke strongly urged Wangchuk to stop his 25-day fast, stating that the campaign for educational reforms would not lose momentum. Dipke wrote: 'We ask Sir @Wangchuk66 to end his hunger strike. The country needs him, and his life is too precious to put at further risk. The peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until our demands are met.'

In its message on X, the organization reiterated this call, noting that Wangchuk's sacrifice has inspired an entire generation. CJP promised that the fight for fairness in examination matters would be waged with even greater strength until the goals are achieved.

Attempts to Convince Wangchuk

This appeal came amidst preparations by a delegation of opposition MPs to meet with Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to persuade him to end his fast. According to PTI, Congress MP Vivek Tankha, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose, and CPI(M) MP John Brittas are expected to assure Wangchuk that issues concerning alleged exam irregularities and accountability in the education sector will be raised during the Monsoon Session in Parliament.

Context of Protests

Earlier, Wangchuk had stated he would end the fast if members of parliament and political parties guaranteed that the issue would be discussed in Parliament. However, following police action during the 'Sansad Chalo' march organized by CJP in Delhi, he announced he would continue the fast until such a guarantee was received.

The activist joined the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28th in support of students demanding accountability for alleged exam irregularities, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After a Delhi High Court order, he was transferred from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Congress intensified criticism of the Centre regarding the alleged NEET exam leak, demanding Pradhan's resignation and accusing the government of refusing to discuss the matter in Parliament. The party also condemned the police action against student protesters and announced the continuation of demonstrations across the country demanding reforms in the examination system.

Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress party, criticized Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday, stating that he probably does not know how to write a resignation letter. This comment came amidst ongoing protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demand his resignation due to leaks of NEET examination materials.

Protests and Leaders' Statements

Moitra wrote on social media platform X: 'It is possible that the Education Minister does not know how to write a resignation letter. The RSS only teaches how to write petitions for mercy.'

Her remarks were made after CJP protesters continued their sit-in strike at Jantkar Mantar in Delhi a day after the police used force to stop the 'Sansad Chalo' march towards Parliament.

Reactions and Allegations

Despite heavy rain, increased security, and the suppression of protests on Monday, volunteers remained at the protest site on Tuesday, cleaning up the stage after the police dismantled tents and other temporary structures. The stage canopy was torn during the operation. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke apologized to his supporters, who were allegedly injured during police action, especially female protesters. In an X post, he stated: 'I apologize to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better.'

Dipke also claimed that the government was ready to use force 'to protect one Dharmendra Pradhan' and insisted that the Education Minister was responsible for the deaths of more than twenty students. He called on injured protesters to contact him personally.

Protesters' Demands

Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka reported that activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike reached its 24th day, reiterating the group's demand for Pradhan's resignation. The protests, which began on June 20, aim to establish accountability regarding alleged irregularities in competitive exams, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

On Monday, the police used batons and tear gas after protesters attempted to march to Parliament; both protesters and police blamed each other for the violence. Wangchuk, whom the Delhi police transferred to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, continues his fast from the hospital.